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KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport has placed Road Traffic Inspectorate on high alert ahead of the annual Reed Dance (Umkhosi woMhlanga) in Nyokeni Royal Palace in KwaNongoma this coming weekend.

Today, MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Mr. Willies Mchunu, issued a stern warning to all road users attending this traditional function to strictly comply with and adhere to all traffic laws to prevent accidents.

Tens of thousands of people across the country are expected to descend to KwaNongoma to witness this historic event which will culminate in the main event addressed by His Majesty, King Zwelithini on Saturday, 6 September 2014.

MEC Mchunu said traffic officers, assisted by other law enforcement agencies, have been dispersed to major route leading to KwaNongoma to conduct road blocks and traffic monitoring.

The intensification of traffic enforcement is also informed by the tragic death of nine maidens and two adult minders last year, when the bus they were travelling in lost control on R66, near Nkwalini (between Melmoth and Eshowe).

The Department of Transport working with the Department of Arts and Culture and the Zulu Royal Household, have thus undertaken to subject all buses and mini buses transporting maidens to undergo roadworthiness testing at their departure depots.

These check-ups will also include confirmation of the route to be used, number of maidens travelling in each bus and validity of the drivers’ permits and licences.

Commenting ahead of the Reed dance, MEC Mchunu expressed confidence in the systems and processes put in place to prevent accidents and curb the loss of lives this year and beyond.

“We have deployed all resources to ensure safety of the flowers of our nation and all who will be attending the reed dance.  Traffic police working with other law enforcement agencies will be conducting road blocks, speed timing and other operations.  Those who will be drinking and driving will be dealt with harshly.  We urge all road users to be extra vigilant and strictly adhere to road traffic rules.  As we said last month at our Budget Vote, ‘Road safety is our collective responsibility’, which means it is in our best interest as a province and country to do the right things and save people’s lives.  We wish all those who will be attending Umkhosi woMhlanga a very safe journey,” said MEC Mchunu.
Some of the major routes to be monitored include:

• R66 between KwaNongoma and uLundi;
• P735 from KwaNongoma to Nyokeni;
• R618 linking KwaNongoma and KwaHlabisa;
• R618 linking KwaNongoma and Vryheid; and
• R66 between KwaNongoma and Phongolo.

Issued by Department of Transport